The world’s best pool villas

If you’re looking for the most luxurious pool villas on the planet, we can help. Here are a few of our favourite pool villas around the world that will make you want to move in and stay forever.

Secret Bay, Dominica

Tucked between four acres of private rainforest and the Caribbean Sea, eco-friendly Secret Bay is the ultimate romantic retreat, with just 10 tree-house style villas perched on the cliffs. You could easily spend your whole holiday cocooned in your villa. Each one has an indoor-outdoor living space, a private plunge pool and a modern kitchen; your villa host can deliver a daily breakfast basket (full of organic goodies) and keep your fridge well-stocked. When you’re ready to leave your sanctuary, you can arrange restaurant reservations and spa treatments at the click of a button with the provided iPhone. Dominica is a delight to explore. The concierge can organise activities including waterfall hikes, scuba diving on the beautifully named Champagne Reef or a boat ride down the Indian River accompanied by Fire, a charismatic local who has many a tale about life on this secret Caribbean island.

Doublepool Villas By Banyan Tree, Phuket

These 24 exclusive DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree in Phuket, Thailand, are mind-blowing and so huge that you’ll feel like you have a whole resort to yourself. Step out of your floating bedroom pavilion into your private wading pool at the foot of your bed or wander out into your manicured gardens where you’ll find a 33-foot long infinity pool stretching out in front of you towards the lagoon. Make the most of the surround sound music while chilling out on the daybed or taking an outdoor shower and don’t forget where you’ve left the villa mobile – you’ll need it to contact your Villa Host who is available 24/7 and ready with a cheery smile each morning when delivering your breakfast to the villa.

Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort, Elounda, Crete

The Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort, Elounda, Crete, is one of the most luxurious hotels in Greece, often gracing the glossy pages of travel magazines. All rooms and suites are gorgeous, but we love the Haven Collection villas for the utmost privacy and the VIP treatment. Our favourite is The Grand Villa, where you can soak up mesmerising views of Spinalonga Island and Mirabello Bay from the outdoor hydro jacuzzi pool or head inside for a spa session; there’s a room with an indoor pool, sauna, massage area and gym. As part of the Haven experience, you’ll benefit from bespoke extras, such as the ‘Havenly’ breakfast in Anthós, the resort’s star restaurant. You’ll also have access to an exclusive section of the dazzling white pebble beach, where the beach crew will bring fresh towels, aromatherapy spritzes and surprising treats as you relax in your private gazebo. After a day in the Cretan sun, unwind with an olive oil massage in the world-class spa or enjoy boat-fresh fresh seafood in the Blue Door Greek taverna, housed in an old fisherman’s stone house.

Viceroy Bali

Perched on the edge of a valley with a spectacular outlook over the Petanu River gorge, this is one of the most tranquil spots in Bali – and the views from the villas at Viceroy Bali are jaw-dropping. There are only 40 villas at this astounding hilltop hideaway and it’s only a few minutes’ drive from arty Ubud, known for its galleries and café culture. All of the villas here have a terrace and private pool; and many have a day bed that appears to float out over the pool edge, so you have a prime stomach-flipping view over the valley below. During your stay, book a treatment in the spa (which has the most incredible curved relaxation terrace) and dine on fine French cuisine at Cascades Restaurant high in the treetop canopy. It’s one of the best restaurants on the island.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Milaidhoo Island Maldives is sky-high on the pool villa wishlist. The contemporary villas here are some of the most beautiful in the Maldives. Most are Water Pool Villas, each with a curved infinity pool and a vast deck featuring a daybed and steps straight into the lagoon. If you prefer to be by the beach, the Beach Pool Villas have a spacious veranda and an oval-shaped pool leading right onto the white sand. Scale it up a notch in a Residence, which has its own butler, private chef – and outdoor cinema. Another reason we love Milaidhoo is that it sits in the unspoilt Baa Atoll, just a short boat ride from Hanifaru Bay – possibly the best place on earth to spot ocean giants, including manta rays and whale sharks. You can also explore the house reef straight from the beach. This is a world-class beach escape.

Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius

The opulent villas at Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in Mauritius are so beautiful, especially at night when ornate, glowing lanterns light your villa’s garden and private pool. The villas are huge with a daybed and sofa in your outdoor living space and the food here is top-notch haute cuisine. Your 24-hour butler can arrange an in-villa barbecue, rose petal bath, treatments at the award-winning spa – even exploring the island in the hotel’s own Rolls Royce Phantom.

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

Close to Uluwatu Temple on the southern coast of Bali, you’ll find the eco-friendly Alila Villas Uluwatu, a clifftop escape with super-sleek cutting-edge design. Sitting 100 metres above the ocean, the resort has a 50-metre long infinity pool on the cliff edge and a spectacular overhanging cliffside cabana where you can sign up for unique experiences, such as aerial yoga. The luxurious 291m² pool villas each have a dedicated butler, relaxation cabanas and ocean views – but upgrade to a two-bedroom Pool Villa if you’re looking for an out-of-this-world stay with family or friends. At a whopping 2000m², it’s as if you’ve hired a whole hotel to yourself, complete with a 21-metre long infinity pool. During your stay, book a treatment at the holistic spa and enjoy a gastronomic journey at Quila, an exclusive experience catering for only 10 guests each night.